Dear Movie Directors,
I highly adore your motivation and devotion to provide entertainment for people around world. I admire your creativity and development as the years go by. It is truly one’s dream to be part of your industry. But as a person of colour, a plethora of words and actions that are used against my success are ricocheting off of the walls in my heart. Millions of us feel like we are never heard through the buzz of movie central.
Whitewashing is a casting practice that is overused today. White actors are now playing the roles of Native Americans, Egyptians, South East Asians and others of the coloured populous, evidently only using their knowledge of shocking stereotypes. Here’s a typical example:
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961). Mickey Rooney is cast as a stereotypical Japanese Upstairs neighbor - Mr. Yunioshi. His long blue robe, quirky personality, and “complimentary” East Asian accent is portrayed throughout the romantic comedy. Yet I do not find it funny that you refused to cast an asian actor to play this part. This is controversy that can be avoided in the easiest way, just exposes all of us to itching stereotypes. Despite this yellow faced hostility, this major blockbuster earned the precious award “Best Score of A Dramatic or Comedic Picture”. What can I say, the non-existent colour blindness that you seem to have is everywhere.
It’s a disease.
It’s a flaw of a nation.
It’s disgusting.
Are you afraid? Are you afraid that our colour will stain your glamorous tuxedos and gowns? Are you afraid that people won’t take the industry seriously? Or are you afraid that your success will be contaminated by our history? This blood holds our pride, and it holds our story. Go ahead and poison it with your champagne and fancy wine for your success, as it’s the only thing you care about. It’s pretty clear that nobody is devoted to stopping you either. Just let me tell you one thing– don’t you dare tell me that you “can’t find” actresses to play coloured female protagonists (Nina Simone in Nina - 2016), or that these black actors are “perfect” for a role without a single line (Slaves in Exodus: Gods and Kings - 2014). I call those lame excuses for crimes against humanity.
Simply changing things will shape a happy ending for not only us, but for you as well. Your success will be accepted easier, and everybody will be satisfied with your efforts to turn things around. Furthermore, bringing colour into films will attract a wider audience, due to the absence of racism that is currently directed towards numerous ethnicities. Your dear money will be piling up with ease, and your reputation would be at an all time high. Painful stereotypes will be counteracted with justice.
And if you think about it, no sane viewer will be against this change. Believe me, this is what we want. This is what we need.
Us as coloured people are not against you, because you have the chance to change. Take it, and be proud of it.
Best regards,
An Actress of Colour